Michael Pemberton, Maysville Community and Technical College Assistant Professor of Mathematics, recently received certification as a “Developmental Education Specialist” from the Kellogg Institute for the Training and Certification of Developmental Educators.

The Kellogg Institute, now in its 35th year, offers a unique month-long living/learning experience for the training and certification of educational professionals who work with academically underprepared students on college campuses. Each year 45 individuals participate in the summer training program, followed by a semester’s practicum in which participants implement new techniques on their home campuses. Mr. Pemberton’s practicum project was "Implementation of an Effective Training Program for Math Tutors within a Modified Emporium at Maysville Community and Technical College."

As part of his practicum project, Mr. Pemberton introduced mathematics tutors to their new roles and responsibilities at MCTC working in a developmental mathematics classroom redesigned using a modified emporium model. The tutor training program also includes an extensive Tutor Handbook. Dr. Barbara S. Bonham, Senior Researcher for the National Center for Developmental Education wrote that Mr. Pemberton’s practicum project “ranks in the top 5 percent of practicum projects which I have reviewed over the last 20 years.” She continued, “He is a scholar and practitioner and his contributions with this project are significant.”

Mr. Pemberton was awarded certification as a result of his participation in the training program and completion of his practicum project at MCTC. The certification as “Developmental Education Specialist” is awarded through the Kellogg Institute, in conjunction with Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.